Required Credits: 39

Curriculum Highlights: 

• • EDL 741 Principalship PK-12
  • EDL 742 Data Analysis and School Improvement
  • EDL 743 Financial and Business Mgmt
  • EDL 744 School Law
  • EDL 745 Org Theory/Team Building

Learn more: List of Courses and Descriptions

The following are options to prepare for certifications: 

ACSI Principal Certification

Students who complete the Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration (MS in ELA) may apply for principal certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Additional information and requirements are available from here. 

Pennsylvania (PA) Principal Certification

Pennsylvania (PA) Principal Certification may be added to the MS in Educational Leadership and Administration Program (MS in ELA). Additional information and requirements are available from here.

Additional certification, program entry, and exit requirements can be obtained by contacting the  Graduate Enrollment Team.

The curriculum is designed to assist the student in meeting specific competencies. The goal is that the graduate is able to:

1. 1. Apply theories of educational leadership, including systems theory, data-driven decision making models, and cultivation of a school culture which promotes holistic learning through best practices and action research in a school environment.
   2. Effectively communicate and personally interact with organizations in the social and political environment including school boards, community organizations, state boards, accrediting agencies, special interest groups, and other professional organizations.
   3. Understand and apply historical and contemporary issues of school law to employment, discipline, privacy, safe schools, crisis planning, drug-free schools, sexual/physical/emotional abuse and harassment, and due process.
   4. Retain and apply fiscal operations, including facilities management, strategic planning, long-range planning, the budget process, technology implementation, and resource allocation.
   5. Apply a personal, educational philosophy and integrated biblical worldview in curriculum design, instructional methodology, assessment, and educational decision making based on the individual needs of students and supported by professional development.
   6. Assess and design curriculum based on outcomes, ongoing learning assessment, differentiated learning, authentic learning experiences, and PA Academic Standards.
   7. Design, conduct, and evaluate best practices and procedures in educational research to improve instruction and learning.

• Principal
• Academic director or supervisor
• Assistant principal
• Superintendent
• Educational consultant

The tuition rates are posted on this page. 

Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University. 

Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page. 

All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements for this program:

• • Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters, and we will waive the fee. 
  • Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  • Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250–500 words)
  • Transcripts: Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. 
  • References: Submit two Professional References. One of these professional references must be from the student’s supervisor.

The Statement of Purpose and transcript requests can be submitted via the admissions portal once you submit the application. 

If pursuing Principal Certification concurrently with the MS in ELA, please submit the following additional documents:

• • Resume
  • Copy of valid state or ACSI teaching certificate
  • A letter from a chief school administrator verifying three years of teaching experience (include name of school, contact information, length of employment, and nature of duties)

Required Principal Certification Internship for the program must be completed in PA. This is not an admissions requirement, but a program requirement non-local students should be aware of.